Populist One Nation’s latest victory points to a thirst for unity. But there are better ways to feel connected | Peter Lewis

When the last poll on membership attitudes was conducted, the author argued that joining something is often the first step in resistance. A decade later, this initiative has become even more critical. The latest victory of One Nation in a byelection at Secret Harbour can be attributed to the politics of anger and exclusion, but understanding the surge in support for Pauline Hanson’s party requires recognizing a yearning for belonging and shared identity.

In a society where people feel more disconnected from their leaders and one another, the party's name appears to provide a patriotic opposition to the current order. Similar to other populist movements worldwide, One Nation is gaining traction during a period of social disconnection and isolation. A recent Guardian Essential report highlights this phenomenon: a significant portion of the population, one-third to be precise, has never been a part of any group.